The injuries the New England Patriots are facing at wide receiver caused them to turn to a familiar face for help.

The team announced Thursday that it has re-signed wide receiver Austin Collie, who spent a few weeks with the team earlier this season. He was released in early November after suffering a knee injury.

Collie appeared in four games with the Patriots and caught three passes for 34 yards.

With Aaron Dobson fighting a foot sprain and Kenbrell Thompkins nursing a hip injury, Collie, who is already familiar with the offense, will add depth. Tight end D.J. Williams was released Wednesday afternoon to make room for Collie's return.

Collie, 28, is in his fifth NFL season after spending four seasons with Indianapolis (2009-12). The 6-foot, 204-pounder has registered 176 receptions for 1,879 yards and 16 touchdowns throughout his career.